Power Couple

That's right, Drew and I are a power couple... when it comes to baking at least. This weekend Drew and his sisters held the 3rd Annual bake-off in memory of their mom who loved to bake. Money from the event then goes to the church, another passion of hers. If you remember correctly, the first year I took the grand prize with my Hamburger Cake:
After that year they decided to have two winners: (1) Best Tasting and (2) Most Creative. I decided not to partake last year after the cake I was working on became too moist and difficult to cover with icing. Plus, I just didn't have a lot of inspiration or an idea I was really excited about preparing. Flash forward to this year and my competitive blood was flowing once again. As was Drew's, along with his sweet tooth. The outcome:

My High Heel CupcakesDrew's "Glad to be back on American Oreo Dirt" puddingNeedless to say, the two of us forfeited our awards.

Drew's cousin Natalie took home the award for Best Tasting with her Cookie Dough Balls (sorry I don't have a picture of that) and Charlie's Smurf Cake took home Most Creative. Overall it was a very successful, fun night, with great people and lots of good food!
(Mint cupcakes)Thank you Gayle for taking such wonderful pictures!

100 Days to Go

That's right. Only 100 more days of being a single lady. It's hard to believe since by the time we do say "I do", we will have been engaged for 22 months. Talk about enjoying the engagement! No, honestly, I wouldn't do it any different. Don't get me wrong, I would marry Drew in a heart beat, but there is something about having ample time to plan. Which in return has made the entire process very stress free. Sure, I have worried about this and that, and there is still plenty for us to do, but overall, we have been able to get the things we've wanted (reception location, affordable hotels, etc.) because we scheduled and planned for everything so far in advance. I can also say that this week in particular has been a very exciting week.
* My brother offered to handle our wedding video as a gift
* Rehearsal dinner food was decided on
* My dad chose our father-daughter dance song. And, proving just how much alike we are, he chose the exact song I was leaning towards after hearing it on the radio months ago, without me saying a word to anyone about it.
* We met with the Deacon for the first of 4 Pre-Cana meetings, as well as signed up for our Pre-Cana "retreat"
* My boss approved my time off before and after the wedding
* Bridesmaid dresses arrived
* Invitations are ready
* And, if all things go well, we will look at wedding bands on Sunday

Not bad for it only being Thursday. And, while I know we still have lots to do, at this rate, things are looking good. Next week I have my first alteration scheduled for my dress. Then, I am hoping to get the invitations put together and labeled over the next weekend because once March rolls around we start running out of days. I think we have something every weekend next month. All I know is I am going to enjoy the ride!

Nearly 60* and Sunny

In reading over my friend's blog I can to realize just how long it has been since I wrote my own post. It's January 31 and I haven't added a single post to ring in the new year. Not to mention, 2011 was the worst in terms of posts for me. Sadly, it could have been a special year to document considering everything I (and Drew) went through, from an overseas deployment, to living together upon his return, to taking care of a dog myself and getting a new job. There are of course dozens of other significant events from 2011 that I am forgetting to mention, but overall, it saddens me to think that I let all of that pass me by, with only a few dozen posts throughout the entire year.

So, I'm vowing to make 2012 the best. I have so much to look forward to and so many wonderful things happening that it would, again, be a shame to let these upcoming days and months pass by without sharing them. Not to mention, blogging has always been therapeutic for me.

For this firs post I want to say happy birthday to miss Lexi. She turns two today and because she has been such a wonderful dog Drew is leaving work early to take her to the park. How could we possibly pass up getting her outside on her birthday when it's 60* and sunny in January!? It has truly been a beautiful week here. Although, it does worry me when I think about how mild our winter has been. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind if we get a little snow here or there, I just don't want winter to prolong its self and snow in May.

11/11/11 Oh So "One"-derful

First I have to take a moment to thank all of the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country.

I have always respected our military. My grandpa was in WWII, my uncle was in the Navy, cousin in the Army; I saw kids from my high school chose the military over college, and once in college the members of IU's ROTC program use to work out outside the sorority house at sunrise. But, it's in the last 2.5 to 3 years that I have learned and really come to respect our military. Of course, most of that is thanks to Drew. He teaches me and involves me in with as much as he can, while also taking his role and position seriously. I also think having been a part of the news has taught me a lot as well. Sure, you can say what you what about reporters/mass media, but having access to so many stories, articles, and events from around the world opened my mind to so much more than just the soldiers working out outside my window or a Hollywood movie. I tell Drew all the time that it's weird to think of him as a Veteran because he is still in his 20's. When I was younger I always had this notion that Veterans were old/seniors/grandparents. Yet, talking to him he feels bad for the Vietnam Vets because he thinks with so many pictures of young soldiers surfacing right how he thinks the older Vets get looked over and forgotten.
I think Our country has come a long way in honoring and respecting our soldiers. I can't imagine what our Vietnam Veteran's went through when they came home from war, and while there aren't many still around, I don't want to forget all of our WWII Vets either. So, on this Veteran's Day I want to thank each and every service member and their family for giving their time, service and life to the freedom of our country.

On a softer, lighter note, today is also a unique calendar day: 11.11.11.
I found this on msn.com which I think is pretty interesting in terms of the significance of the number one, and the date that only happens once in a century.

• Power Number

  According to numerology, each number holds a unique vibration with associated traits attached to it. One and two symbolize masculine and feminine energy, respectively, with one deemed as "the creator." When repeated, one becomes 11, which is considered the Master Number, representing rebirth and, you guessed it, new beginnings.

• It Takes Two

  When broken down into separate digits (1+1=2), the number 11 resonates with the number two and, therefore, takes on additional attributes. Today is plush for matters of the heart, since 11 is commonly associated with intuition, inspiration, compassion, and tolerance, while two, the number associated with feminine energy, embodies union and partnership.

• Place Your Bets

  Today may be an extra lucky day to gamble, given how many games include 11 in favorable ways. Eleven is a very desirable hand in Blackjack, causing players to double down and increase their potential winnings. In Craps, 11 is just as good as the favorable seven on an initial roll. Eleven is reportedly a popular lotto number as well—no doubt because of all its vibrating power.

• Good Vibrations

  With the presence of three 11s in the date, feminine energy is strongly at play—promoting awareness, cooperation and healing on a global scale. Today, a movement called Global Pause for Peace is asking spiritual communities around the world to gather in ritual, prayer and meditation to harness today's harmonious energy and raise the global vibration.

• Keeping The Peace

  Today is also Armistice Day (or Veterans Day in the U.S.), marking the end of World War I, when Germany and the Allied nations called for resolution on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Some business are using today's special date to pay homage to men and women who've served in the military, with special discounts and donations to the USO.

• Breaking Dawn

  In terms of astrology, we are currently transitioning into the 11th house of the zodiac—the age of the Aquarius. Progressive and intuitive, the sign rules technology, humanitarianism, philanthropy, nonconformity and idealism. According to astrological predictions, a wealth of new information will dominate the coming months.

• Do The Math

  You may have to be a mathematician to get excited by the numerical tricks that 11—which is the sixth prime number—can perform: When multiplied by itself, the number 11 equals a palindrome every time—from 11 x 11 (which equals 121) to 1,111,111 x 1,111,111 (which equals a pleasing 1,234,567,654,321) and beyond.

• Save The Date

  Couples worldwide have long hitched their marital fortunes to special dates, signing their nuptials on ones that bear the same number for the month, day and year. Wedding industry experts believe it's a combination of superstition and meaning that make them so desirable, but many couples simply want an unforgettable anniversary date. According to David's Bridal, 57,000 ceremonies will take place today, surpassing the 39,000 weddings that commenced last year on 10/10/10.

• One More Time

  Dec. 12, 2012, will be last time the date will be the same number across the board until the next century. Extremists are predicting the end of the world, which would coincide with the end of the Mayan Calendar.

Pure Happiness

Wow, I can't believe I went nearly two months without writing. I guess this site slipped my mind between Drew coming home, wedding planning, Army adventures, finding a new job and starting a new job - as well as Drew setting out to start in real estate. Needless to say things are looking up and going well.
I know I say this every year, but it is hard to believe it has been three years since I was laid off from my job in Washington. I think this year makes it even more memorable as I got the "bad news" Oct. 31, 2008. And just Tuesday, Nov. 1 2011 I started a new job outside of the news business. It's funny how things work out. One minute I am without a job. The next, I am moving home, meeting a guy, and planning a wedding. I am very lucky. And, it's that realization that led me to making my own decision to leave the news business. Don't get me wrong I loved what I was doing and enjoyed the people I was working along side, but I always found myself unhappy because I was missing out on this or that because I either needed to get sleep or wasn't getting enough sleep. It wasn't easy to make the decision to try something new, but over the last couple of days in my new job I am so grateful I did make the decision. I didn't realize how sad I had become until I felt how good it can feel to REALLY be happy. For the first time in nearly two and a half years I was able to meet a bunch of people for dinner and not have to rush home for work. I've been able to sleep during the correct time of day. I get Veterans Day off! I didn't know people got that day off! I will get to celebrate Thanksgiving with family at dinner time - AND the day after! Who knew?!
I do know... that while I have very little knowledge of what I am doing in my new position (I am in the learning phase) I am a much happier person, having the opportunity to take part in life's events.

Welcome Home Drew

As you can imagine, life over the last week has been wonderful and busy all at the same time. It's hard to believe Drew has been home for a week, but I am of course enjoying every minute of it. The two of us have hardly sat still and with how our calendar looks it will probably be at least another week until we do. That's okay though, because he is home. I will take being busy and slightly tired over Iraq. I didn't realize how stressed out I was until he was home for about 24 hours. I actually felt lighter and more carefree. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of time to write right now, or a lot of pictures from the Welcome Home Ceremony, but Drew's sister Gayle made a beautiful video/slide show of the day. Be sure to have the sound turned up.

Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUJC4YgVyAU&feature=email

Back in the USA!!!!

Yes, Drew is stateside and in less than a week he will be here! I have a feeling it's going to be the loooongest week of the year, but then again, he is safe and in the same time zone! Not to mention I don't have to fight through static phone lines, seven hour time difference, speaking in code or the Skype video freezing.

I will get to see his face IN PERSON in five days!

There is a BRIGHT light at the end of the tunnel.